Easy-to-assemble building structure with a mountable frame for supporting solar panels

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to an easy-to-assemble building structure with a mountable frame for mounting solar panels, solar water heating panels, fuel cells or any other renewable energy device and more particularly relates to a gazebo or a storage space or an overhang used for purposes of mounting solar panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an easy-to-assemble buildingstructure with a mountable frame for mounting solar panels, photovoltaicor hot water or any other renewable energy device, and more particularlyrelates to an easy-to-assemble gazebo or a storage space or an overhangused for purposes of mounting solar panels.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Solar technology is not only environment-friendly but is alsocost-effective in the long term. However, despite the distinctadvantages of solar power, solar technology has still not gainedwide-spread popularity largely due to the fact that the conventionalmethod of installation of solar panels is fraught with complexities.

Traditionally, roof spaces of building establishments such as houses andoffices have been used for installing solar panels. The conventionalprocess of installing solar panels involves installation of panels onthe roofs of building establishments such as houses and offices with thehelp of mounting brackets. Each solar panel is typically made of solarcells also known in the art as photovoltaic cells. Solar cells aregenerally very thin rectangular or circular wafers that are made ofsilicon. As soon as sunlight hits the solar cells, the electrons on thesolar panels are released. These electrons then freely flow throughwires, forming direct current (DC). This DC is the same kind of currentthat flows through a regular battery. This DC may be used directly forvarious uses like charging the battery, DC lighting, heating the pool,running the DC motors for pumps, machinery, and generating hydrogen byelectrolysis. Charged batteries provide DC electricity when sun is notshining. Usually, DC from photovoltaic cells/panels or from chargeablebatteries is sent to an electrical inverter, which converts DC to analternating current (AC) and produces AC power to the standards of thelocal utility company. The hydrogen can be used in fuel cells for powergeneration. Solar hot water panels absorb thermal energy from solarradiation and heat the water. The hot water is used for heating poolsand for consumer and industrial hot water use.

Installation of solar panels on roof tops can be prohibitively expensiveowing to the fact that skilled labor is required for mounting the solarpanels. In addition, the process of installing solar panels islabor-intensive in so far as roofs need to be worked on very carefullyto prevent damage to roofs causing leakage after installation of solarpanels. Yet another drawback of roofing panels is their lack ofaesthetic beauty. In addition, cleaning of the roofing panels is alsodifficult, which in turn renders maintenance of the roofing panels anarduous task. Also, often times building establishments such as homesand offices lack the appropriate roof space to allow installation ofsolar panels in the first place. At other times, roof space might existbut the orientation of the roof might render installation of solarpanels inappropriate for production of energy.

To overcome the disadvantages commonly associated with mounting solarpanels on roof tops of building establishments such as homes andoffices, what is needed is a portable and easy-to-assemble structure onwhich solar panels can be easily mounted without any professional helpor skilled labor.

The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages associatedwith mounting of solar panels on roof tops of building establishmentssuch as houses and offices by providing a cheaper and more convenientalternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure such as a gazebo or a storage spaceor an overhang with a mounting frame for mounting solar panels,photovoltaic or hot water or any other renewable energy device.

It is another object of the invention to provide an easy-to-assemblebuilding structure for mounting solar panels that is economical ascompared to mounting of solar panels on roofs of buildingestablishments.

It is another object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels that isnot as labor-intensive as the traditional roofing panels in terms ofinstallation rather it is easy-to-assemble and does not require anyprofessional help.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels thatenhances the aesthetic beauty of the surroundings.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels that iseasy to clean.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels such thatlack of appropriate roof space in building establishments is not alimiting factor for installation of solar panels any more.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels such thatthe orientation of the roof in building establishments is not a limitingfactor for installation of solar panels.

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure such as a gazebo or a storage spaceor an overhang with a mounting frame for mounting solar panels.

It is another advantage of the invention to provide an easy-to-assemblebuilding structure for mounting solar panels that is economical ascompared to solar panels mounted on roofs of building establishments.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels that isnot as labor-intensive as the traditional roofing panels in terms ofinstallation rather it is easy-to-assemble and does not require anyprofessional help.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels thatenhances the aesthetic beauty of the surroundings.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels that iseasy to clean.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels such thatlack of appropriate roof space in building establishments is not alimiting factor for installation of solar panels anymore.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-assemble building structure for mounting solar panels such thatthe orientation of the roof in building establishments is not a limitingfactor for installation of solar panels.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment which makes reference to the several figures ofthe drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the easy-to-assemble building structureand illustrates the position of the solar panels on the structure.

FIG. 2 is a 3-dimensional view of the shaft with projections that formwhat looks like winged flanges.

FIG. 3 is a 3-dimensional view of the element containing a recess whichwhen used in conjunction with the shaft with projections forms aninterlock assembly to support solar panels.

FIG. 4 is a 2-dimensional view of the inverted A-shaped projection ofthe shaft of the interlock assembly.

FIG. 5 is a 2-dimensional view of the element containing a recess in theinterlock assembly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the interlock assembly illustrating thesupported solar panels.

FIG. 7 is a 3-dimensional view of a brace forming the apex frame.

FIG. 8 is an end-view of a hook-shaped end of a brace.

FIG. 9 is a 3-dimensional view of a stanchion that supports theeasy-to-assemble building structure.

FIG. 10 is a 3-dimensional view of an apex cap of the support frame thatis fastened to the easy-to-assemble building structure.

FIG. 11 is a 3-dimensional view of the spider joint that forms theconnection between the apex frame and the interlock assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an easy-to-assemble building structurewith a mountable frame for mounting solar panels, photovoltaic or hotwater or any other renewable energy device and more particularly relatesto an easy-to-assemble gazebo or a storage space or an overhang used forpurposes of mounting solar panels. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the present invention comprises of a supportedeasy-to-assemble structure on which solar panels, photovoltaic, solarhot water systems or any other renewable energy system can me mounted. Apreferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the easy-to-assemble building structureand illustrates the position of the solar panels on the structure 10. Ina preferred embodiment of the present invention, six stanchions 40 ofthe easy-to-assemble building structure provide support to the wholebuilding structure 10. A support frame 35 (not shown) is mounted on topof the stanchions 40 and is fastened to the stanchions 40 by means offastening elements. The support frame 35 provides support to the apexframe assembly 30 (not shown) that rests on top of the support frame 35.The apex frame assembly 30 in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is composed of elements 45. Each element 45 is connected tothe other element 45 so as to form apex frame assembly 30. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, a rod-like horizontalinterlock assembly 25 composed of elements 70 and 75 and with wingedflanges 20 passes through the center of the apex frame assembly 30 alongits entire length and provides support to the solar panels 15. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the apex cap 70 embodiesa projection 95 which embeds itself into the recess of apex supportelement 75 to form an interlock assembly 25. The solar panels 15 aresupported by the shelves 85 a and 85 b and held down by the wingedflanges 20 of the interlock assembly 25 on one side and the slottedportion 55 of each element 45 of the apex frame assembly 30 on the otherside. The figure also illustrates a spider joint 60 that connects theinterlock assembly 25 to four elements 45 to make the apex frameassembly 30. An inverter 65 is mounted on apex support element 75 of thehorizontal interlock assembly 25.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the apex cap 70 with a projection95 that forms a cap in the form of winged flanges 20.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of the apex support element 75containing a recess 90 that together with the projection 95 (not shown)of the apex cap 70 (not shown) forms an interlock assembly 25 (notshown) to support solar panels 15 (not shown). The shelves 85 a and 85 bprovides an angled flat section to support the solar panels.

FIG. 4 is a 2-dimensional view of the inverted A-shaped projection 95 ofthe apex cap 70 (not shown) of the interlock assembly 25 (not shown)with a shelf or a flange.

FIG. 5 is a 2-dimensional view of the apex support element 75 containinga recess 90 in the interlock assembly 25 (not shown). The figure alsoillustrates shelves 85 a and 85 b and winged flanges on the apex supportelement 75 containing a recess 90 into which projection 95(not shown) ofapex cap 70 (not shown) of the interlock assembly 25 (not shown) fits.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the interlock assembly 25 illustratingan inverted-A shaped projection 95 of the apex cap 70 that embeds itselfin the recess 90 of the apex support element 75 of the interlockassembly 25. The figure also illustrates the solar panels 15 held downby the winged flanges 20 on the shelves 85 a and 85 b of the interlockassembly 25.

FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of a brace 45 forming the apex frameassembly 30 (not shown). In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there are eight braces that are connected together to form theapex frame assembly 30. The braces have a hook or a slot-shaped opening55 to support and hold solar panels 15 (not shown) and together theyform the apex frame assembly 30.

FIG. 8 is an end-view of a hook-shaped brace 45 of the apex frameassembly 30. The figure also illustrates the slotted portion 55 of brace45 that supports solar panels.

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view of a stanchion 40. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, six such stanchions support theeasy-to-assemble building structure 10 (not shown).

FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a rod-like component 120 of thesupport frame 35. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,there are four such rod-like components that constitute the supportframe 35 and they are fastened on top of the stanchions 40. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the support frame 35 ismade of aluminum, wood or alloys and the like.

FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional view of the spider joint 60 that formsthe connection between the apex frame assembly 30 (not shown) and theinterlock assembly 25 (not shown). In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the spider joint 60 has two sets of arms 110 and 115intersecting with one another. The ends of arms 110 a and 110 b arefitted into the slotted portion 125 (not shown) of braces 45 (not shown)of the apex frame on either end and 115 a is fastened together with theapex support element 75 of the interlock assembly 25. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, there are two spider joints 60 atthe proximal and distal ends of the interlock assembly 25 respectively.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention theeasy-to-assemble building structure might encompass a solar waterheating system that can be employed to heat swimming pools and the like.

Although the present invention has been particularly shown and describedabove with reference to specific embodiments, it is anticipated thatalterations and modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent tothose skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the followingclaims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modificationsas fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. An easy-to-assemble structure for capturing solar energy comprising;a. a mountable structure for mounting a renewable energy device; and b.a renewable energy device.
 2. The structure according to claim 1,wherein said renewable energy device is solar panels.
 3. The structureaccording to claim 1, wherein said renewable energy device isphotovoltaic cells.
 4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein saidrenewable energy device is solar hot water systems.
 5. Aneasy-to-assemble structure for supporting solar panels, said structurecomprising; a. a plurality of stanchions to support said structure; b. asupport frame resting on said stanchions; said frame being fastened tosaid stanchions; c. an apex frame assembly resting on top of saidsupport frame, said assembly comprising of a plurality of braces, saidbraces being connected to one another, wherein said apex frame assemblyis fastened to the support frame to provide support to solar panels; d.an interlock assembly comprising of two components, a first componentand a second component, wherein the first component is an apex cap witha projection and the second component is an apex support elementcontaining a recess, wherein said second component receives theprojection extending from the apex cap and aligns the two componentstogether, wherein said interlock assembly passes through the center ofthe apex frame assembly from front to back; e. said first componenthaving shelves in the form of winged flanges on the sides to hold downsolar panels and said second component having shelves to support solarpanels; f. a joint at the proximal end of said interlock assembly, saidjoint connecting the interlock assembly and braces on either side of theinterlock assembly; g. a joint at the distal end of said interlockassembly, said joint connecting the interlock assembly and braces oneither side of the interlock assembly; h. horizontal braces mounted ontop of the support frame, said braces being on the two sides of thesupported structure and providing support to the solar panels; and i. aninverter mounted in said supported structure.
 6. The structure of claim5, wherein the stanchions are made of wood, aluminum or any other alloy.7. The structure of claim 5, wherein the support frame is made of wood,aluminum or any other alloy.
 8. The structure of claim 5, wherein thesupport frame is fastened to the stanchions with the help of a pluralityof arms.
 9. The structure of claim 8, wherein the arms are twelve innumber.
 10. The structure of claim 5, wherein the apex frame assembly isfastened to the support frame with the help of bolts.
 11. The structureof claim 10, wherein the apex frame assembly is fastened to the supportframe with the help of twelve bolts.
 12. The structure of claim 5,wherein the interlock assembly is horizontal such that the solar panelssupported by the interlock assembly are slopingly mounted on thehorizontal braces.
 13. The structure of claim 5, wherein said first andsecond components of the interlock assembly are made of wood, aluminumor any other alloy.
 14. The structure of claim 5, wherein said joint atthe proximal end of said interlock assembly that connects the interlockassembly and the braces is a spider joint.
 15. The structure of claim 5,wherein said joint at the distal end of said interlock assembly thatconnects the interlock assembly and the braces is a spider joint. 16.The structure of claim 5, wherein said braces are connected to oneanother at each comer of the easy-to-assemble building structure withthe help of a square tube.
 17. The structure of claim 5, wherein eachsaid brace has an insertable slot to support the solar panels.
 18. Thestructure of claim 5, wherein the inverter has wires connecting theinverter to a circuit breaker.
 19. A method for installing solar panelson an easy-to-assemble supported structure, said method comprising thesteps of: a. installing a plurality of stanchions to support saidstructure; b. installing a support frame resting on said stanchions;said frame being fastened to said stanchions; c. installing an apexframe assembly resting on top of said support frame, said assemblycomprising of a plurality of braces, said braces being connected to oneanother and being fastened to the support frame to provide support tosolar panels; d. installing an interlock assembly comprising of twocomponents, a first component and a second component, wherein the firstcomponent is a apex cap with a projection and the second component is anelement containing a recess, wherein said second component receives theprojection extending from the apex cap and aligns the two componentstogether, wherein said interlock assembly passes through the center ofthe apex frame assembly from front to back, said first and secondcomponents having shelves in the form of winged flanges and flat areasrespectively on the sides to support solar panels; e. installing a jointat the proximal end of said interlock assembly, said joint connectingthe interlock assembly and braces on either side of the interlockassembly; f. installing a joint at the distal end of said interlockassembly, said joint connecting the interlock assembly and a brace oneither side of the interlock assembly; g. installing horizontal bracesmounted on top of the support frame, said braces providing support tothe solar panels; and h. installing an inverter mounted in saidsupported structure.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stanchionsare made of wood, aluminum or any other alloy.
 21. The method of claim19, wherein the support frame is made of wood, aluminum or any otheralloy.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the support frame is fastenedto the stanchions with the help of a plurality of arms.
 23. The methodof claim 22, wherein the arms are twelve in number.
 24. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the apex frame assembly is fastened to the supportframe with the help of bolts.
 25. The method of claim 19, wherein theapex frame assembly is fastened to the support frame with the help oftwelve bolts.
 26. The method of claim 19, wherein the interlock assemblyis horizontal such that the solar panels supported by the interlockassembly are slopingly mounted on the horizontal braces.
 27. The methodof claim 19, wherein said first and second components of the interlockassembly are made of wood, aluminum or any other alloy.
 28. Thestructure of claim 19, wherein said joint at the proximal end of saidinterlock assembly that connects the interlock assembly and the firstand second brace is a spider joint.
 29. The structure of claim 19,wherein said joint at the distal end of said interlock assembly thatconnects the interlock assembly and the first and second brace is aspider joint.
 30. The structure of claim 19, wherein said braces areconnected to one another at each comer of the easy-to-assemble buildingstructure with the help of a square tube.
 31. The structure of claim 19,wherein said braces have insertable slots to support the solar panels.32. The structure of claim 19, wherein the inverter has wires connectingthe inverter to a circuit breaker.